Best Music Festivals Near Denver This Year
In Colorado, warmer weather signals it is time for hiking, barbecues, farmer’s markets, art shows, and festivals. Music festivals, in particular, form a huge part of Colorado’s most popular summer attractions. The last two years have been rough on us music-loving Coloradans, but this Summer’s schedule looks to be more than making up for it. Read on for some of the best music festivals you can attend in Colorado this year. These are some of my personal favorites, but you can visit this guide for a comprehensive list.
Denver Underground Music Showcase
Dates: July 29-31
Location: South Broadway, Denver
Music Genre: indie/alternative
Underground Music Showcase is returning in full force this year! The festival takes place over three days and nights in multiple venues on Broadway. The event draws thousands of fans looking to sample new music from local and international artists.
Presale tickets have already sold out, but you can still score a good discount by purchasing one of the Early Bird pass packages. Check the website for the final lineup of artists and to purchase your pass. Discounts are available if you elect to buy a
The Ride
Dates: July 6-10
Location: Telluride, CO
Music Genre: Rock n’ Roll
This year marks the 10th annual Ride Festival in Telluride, a gorgeous mountain town that also hosts a famous Bluegrass festival. In previous years, festival-goers would view both veteran and up-and-coming rock n’ roll artists on the Fred Shellman Stage. In order to accomodate the rising price of lodging and other issues associated with a recent population boom, the format of the Ride will be a little different this year.
Instead of a central stage, guests can purchase individual tickets for shows at different venues around town. These include historic locations such as the Sheridan Opera House and the Roma building. You can purchase your tickets for the Ride concerts here.
The festival will also not be managing the Telluride Town Park or campground this year. You can still camp, but you must make your reservation through the town Parks & Recreation site.
Sonic Bloom Festival
Dates: June 16-19
Location: Walsenburg, CO
Music genre: Electronic
The Sonic Bloom Festival is located in Spanish Peaks Country at the picturesque Hummingbird Ranch, about 2.5 hours south of Denver. The massive lineup showcases electronic musicians with a gorgeous natural backdrop. Pitch your tent along the creek or under a shady tree, lean back, and take in the sites and sounds.
Sonic Bloom is family friendly with a special “Children’s Village” offering plenty of fun and educational activities. This year, the village is hosted by Rainbow Lightning, a not-for-profit focused on empowering youth to stay substance free through art and music. Kids will enjoy arts and crafts as well as physical outlets, like yoga, all while learning about the important principles of sustainability, wellness, and creativity.
Country Jam
Dates: June 23-25
Location: Grand Junction, CO
Music Genre: Country
If Country music is your jam, then you won’t want to miss this festival in Grand Junction. Over twenty bands perform on two stages set against the beautiful red-rock landscape of western Colorado. This year’s lineup features superstars Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, Lonestar, and more.
Camping at Country Music Jam requires the purchase of a 3-day ticket as well as campsite admission pass. The website offers the ability to split your cost into smaller payments. Simply select the “layaway” option when you enter your payment information.
Arise
Dates: May 27-30
Location: Boone, CO
Music Genre: Eclectic
The Arise Festival hosts an eclectic group of artists ranging from electronic to brass bands. The festival takes place in beautiful Boone, Colorado on the banks of the Arkansas river. It is about two hours away from Denver and just north of New Mexico.
In addition to live music, the festival showcases an array of fine artists, such as painters and sculptors who create works of art in real time. You can also participate in a variety of workshops or enjoy a yoga session hosted by one of 16 guest instructors.
Arise has many camping options available. You can park your RV, pitch a tent, or go upscale with their Deluxe Glamping package. A canvas tent fits two twin or one queen size bed; fresh linens, phone charging stations, a shaded lounge with seating, and a cooler with ice are just a few of the amenities you can experience while enjoying the festival.
What is your favorite Colorado music festival? Let me know your suggestions in the comments!
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